AIS St Helens Newsletter November 2008
Dear friends
New Year Closedown Period
AIS St Helens closes down its operations around the Christmas/New Year period. The English Language Centre will be closed from 5.00pm Friday 19 December 2008 to 8.00am Monday 5 January 2009. All other staff will be on leave from 5.00pm Friday 19 December 2007 to 8.00am Monday 5 January 2009. All operations will be closed apart from a skeleton staff in Marketing and Administration. This means that messages may continue to send through to Marketing staff but response times may be slightly lengthened.
Enrolment Last Date for January 2009
For MBA, undergraduate programmes and graduate diploma programmes 8 December is the last day for new Offers of Place to be issued for Semester 1 2009. Applications received after that day will be processed for the next intake (May).
Note the Orientation Day and time for each programme: 23 January is the Orientation Day for all undergraduate and graduate diploma programmes and 27 January is the first day of class.
The first MBA Orientation will be on Friday 13 February at 3.00pm in our main campus and the first module will start on 14 February at 8.30am. The second MBA Orientation will be on Friday 27 February at 3.00pm in our main campus and the first module for this group of students will start on 28 February at 8.30am.
Intensive March Semester
AIS St Helens offers a 6 week Intensive Semester (summer programme) for undergraduate diploma and degree students unable to enter the January semester on time. The Intensive Semester commences on 2 March and concludes at the end of the standard January semester. Entry to the Intensive Semester can be discussed with your Marketing Executive (see below for contact details).
Less optional courses are available in the Intensive Semester and students will be required to enter a set programme of courses.
Admission Rules
Please note that AIS St Helens accepts international students with IELTS scores. The score of each band cannot be less than 0.5 under the total required for entry to the programme (5.5 individual band score for a total 6.0 requirement into diploma or degree programmes, 6.0 individual band score for a 6.5 requirement into postgraduate programmes).
For the India market, AIS St Helens does not accept Third Class degrees or Third Class 10+2 certificates for entry to any programme. Special admission may only be gained for Third Class degrees into Graduate Diploma programmes where the student has extensive work experience or a degree in the same subject area as the Graduate Diploma.
IT Internships
New Zealand continues to require IT specialists. TechNZ have now announced the availability of 150 paid summer holiday internships for ICT graduates including from the AIS St Helens GDIT. TechNZ - the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology business investment programme - will pay $16 an hour as a stipend for the interns, a sum the companies can top up. Participating companies have agreed to provide supervision of the students' work. Full story here: http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/0A1D75ED41A60943CC2574F60004631D?opendocument&utm_source=topnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=topnews
Judy Speight from TechNZ who spoke to GDIT students last year, has confirmed that AIS St Helens GDIT students are eligible to apply. She says: "We'd be thrilled to have some of your GDIT students in the programme and yes many of them may be eligible for the project funding."
AIS St Helens Students Celebrate Diwali 2008
PRC Consul General visits AIS St Helens
AIS St Helens was privileged to be visited by the newly appointed Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland, Madame Liang, Deputy Consul General Wang and Education Counselor Tom Gao. Madame Liang expressed the Consulate's ongoing support for the institute and her respect for the success and recognition that AIS St Helens has gained, including its listing on the China Ministry of Education website for recommended degree providers in New Zealand, and inclusion by name in the Education Services Schedule of the New Zealand China FTA.
Marketing in India and Russia
Dr Anatole Bogatski, Director of Student Services and Market Development has returned from India where he met many old friends as well as new agents. Indications are that the Indian market will continue to grow strongly as New Zealand's immigration policy settings are currently more favourable than those of Canada or Australia. Dr Bogatski also attended the Alphe Agent Workshop in St Petersburg.
Korea English Language Teacher Training
Terry Leotta, Head of the English Language Centre, has recently returned from a successful trip to Korea where he met with city and regional governments to discuss English language teacher training at AIS St Helens.
Student "Waka Jumping"
An important issue over the last few months has been that of students abusing the student visa issued for study at AIS St Helens in order to gain entry to New Zealand and then change to a small, cheap and academically questionable institution. As a result of the robust action taken by AIS St Helens in refusing to make any refunds, Ministry of Education officials have said that changes will be made firstly to the Code of Practice and secondly to the Education Act 1989 in order to prevent this practice continuing. Reports issued by the International education Appeal Authority (IEAA) in response to appeals made by students wishing to change institutions have pointed to the unethical action of agents in New Zealand persuading students to change, and to the small local institutions acting unprofessionally in issuing Offers of Place to these students and high commissions to these local agents.
New Brochures on Plagiarism and Adapting to Kiwi Life
brochure of Plagiarism brochure of Adapting to Kiwi Life
Plagiarism continues to be a serious issue at all institutions and AIS St Helens has now provided guidelines to all students on how to avoid this trap. Adapting to life in New Zealand can also be difficult and this is now made clearer for students to understand in the second brochure produced for students this month.
Scholarships for Third Semester 2008
AIS St Helens has again awarded scholarships to deserving students for Semester 3 2008. Scholarship recipients were: Niharika Saluja, Mohit Suresh Thakur, Fang-I Hsieh, Yanlin Chen, Seini Moala Pauu Fifita, Zhao Li, Xiao Zhang, Sela Fine Mateaki Kavafolau Vaipulu, Liming Zhang, Weiwei Guo, Xueshan Lu, Mamdouh Nouri, Eli Mahon Nicklin, Qin Pan, Mo Han, Vignesh Narayan, Navaporn Punpanich, Ana Fusipala Mafi, Dongliang He, Mohammed Atiqul Islam, Nguyen Duc Pham, Vorraprot Apichonlati, Mele Talaifina Vailanu.
Campus Development Update
The AIS St Helens District Plan change has now been completed and now enables maximum numbers on campus to increase from 570 (as provided in the original resource consent in 1992) to 1,100 plus the option to increase to 1,500 in the future. This provides potential for growth over the next 10 years. Our current total roll of 1,100 includes around 300 students based at the neighbouring Asquith Campus (where Tourism Management, IT and Hospitality courses are based). 　The total roll also includes 280 students in the MBA programme whose lectures are held in the weekends so do not contribute to week-day totals. A refurbishment of the existing entrance to the Main Block is planned over the next few months.
AIS St Helens Newsletter October 2008
Dear friends
We are now well into the September 2009 semester, notable for the launch of three new qualifications – the Graduate Diploma in International Business (GDIB), the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management (GDTM) and the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business (PGDIB).
A final draft of the revised Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students has been released by the MOE for consultation, prior to introduction in 2009. A vital section regarding students changing providers after arrival is still being worked on. We are in consultation with the MOE, NZQA and Immigration NZ to have some rule changes in place to control the problem of students using the refund rules to jump schools. Agents from India were present at the recent Education New Zealand Conference to support the change and avoid damage to New Zealand’s tertiary education market.
AIS St Helens Study Buddies programme
The new AIS St Helens Study Buddies programme has started to provide extra support to students in their diploma and degree studies. Top students are available each day during the week to assist students with study skills, exam preparation and tutorial support.
Muslim Celebration
On Thursday night 25 September 2008 6.30 pm at AIS St Helens Asquith Campus, AIS St Helens Muslim students from several different countries celebrated the last week of Ramadan (fasting month). This event was attended by students from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Lebanon and Egypt, as well as Dr Adam Brown and other AIS St Helens staff and Directors. They prayed, learnt more about the culture and served Muslim food.
Bangladesh Party
On 2 October 2008 at the main AIS St Helens cafeteria, the Bangladeshi Students Association of AIS St Helens celebrated Eid-Ul-Fitr day after fasting in the month of Ramadan. This event was attended by AIS St Helens Directors including the Chairman Mr YS Hsieh, Senior Lecturer Dr Ershad Ali, and students and members of the Bangladeshi community.
Vietnam Party
On 17 September 2008 a celebration was held for the Vietnamese students. This was a time for fun, socialising with all the Vietnamese students from different courses, and meeting with Vietnamese alumni students of AIS St Helens. Max Bui (DCIT).
AIS St Helens Performances at China National Day Celebration
AIS St Helens Performances at the China National Day Celebration The AIS St Helens Chinese Students Association was one of the sponsors for the China National Day event on 28 September at the Bruce Mason Centre. This was organised by the Chinese Consulate for all international tertiary students from China in Auckland. Besides assisting with the planning and organising, AIS St Helens gave two performances, which were amongst the most popular of the show. The first item was a traditional Pacific Islands dance featuring 20 Tongan students together with several Chinese students. The group was delighted to be joined by the China General Consul of Education Mr Tom Gao in the dance. This typified the mix of cultures and the friendliness of the evening. The other performance was a song by MBA student Chris Yang, which ended the evening nicely.
MBA Orientation
A record intake of three full MBA classes commenced in September 2008 with two Orientation programmes run two weeks apart.
AIS St Helens Newsletter September 2008
Graduation 2008
Dr Lockwood Smith, former Minister of Education and currently immigration spokesperson for the National Party was the guest speaker at the 2008 Graduation. He made special mention of the fact that he was Minister of Education when AIS St Helens was created in 1989.
Board Chairman YS Hsieh congratulated all graduates on their academic achievements and spoke of the pride that he and all staff had when they saw the successes our students achieve in their lives.
This was one of the largest graduations held by AIS St Helens with over 160 graduates in attendance (from a total of over 350) and over 700 guests. It also saw the 1,500th degree student graduate.
It was a special day for 13 graduates from different programmes who received special awards because of their excellent academic achievements. Deng Jing, currently working at AIS St Helens Market Department, won top scholar from the MBA programme.
President Dr Richard Goodall congratulates Jennifer Hawaikirangi who spoke as Valedictorian on behalf of all students. In her speech Jennifer thanked all the staff at AIS St Helens and reminded everyone present that we are defined by the choices we make in life.
Theodora Jessica Wijanto Dhaliwal Paramjit Singhh
Tamriko Absandze Pasifika dance group of AIS St Helens students
Meenakshi Pandey Anna Medvedeva
Orientation
AIS St Helens held a very successful Orientation for the September 2008 semester start. Over 100 students attended and heard the Chairman, President, Academic Director and Student Services Director speak on the institute vision, ethics, rules and requirements for all students. Separate orientations are held for postgraduate students in the MBA and
PGDIB programmes
2009 Prospectus
The 2009 Prospectus, poster and supporting documents wwere sent to you in early August. Please advise the staff below if you have not received your marketing package.
AIS St Helens Newsletter August 2008
AIS St Helens in United Nations List
AIS St Helens is now one of the 21 tertiary institutions in New Zealand on the list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO. You can see the list here www.unesco.org/iau/onlinedatabases/list.html
September Semester
Please ensure that your students attend the Orientation Day on 5th September. Orientation allows students to bond with each other, learn a great deal of academic, social and employment information and start their academic journey at AIS St Helens fully equipped. Students that do not attend the Orientation often find themselves on the backfoot and alienated from the mainstream.
Thailand Agent Visit
Thai NES Baanpasa and District Council Officers from Chiang Mai
Quality Maintenance
We are always looking at our quality standards and how to improve these. With the increasing numbers of students from the India market, we have noticed that many of these students are seeking low quality institutions in New Zealand for quick and easy academic outcomes. New Zealand education and society will not benefit from such students and we ask Indian agents not to send such students to AIS St Helens. For entry to AIS St Helens, Indian students will require their IELTS certificate to show each band not less than 0.5 below the total required level. Where degrees or 10+2 transcripts are required, 2nd class is the minimum accepted level.
2009 Prospectus
The new prospectus will be mailed to you in late August. If you have not received this package from us by end of August, please email your Marketing Executive below.
CertTESOL Success in Korea
The Offices of Education in each Korean local government area are required to plan training for their English teachers in an English speaking country and to recruit more native speakers as English teachers in their public schools. AIS St Helens has been successful in facilitating this process for Gang Won Province in Korea. Currently a group of teachers and officials are observing and evaluating the AIS St Helens Certificate in TESOL over a three week period.
GDTM Approved by NZQA
As you will already know, the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management (Level 7) has now been approved. The programme includes eight courses including a compulsory core of five courses in Principles of Tourism, Tourism Marketing, Tourism Management, Tourism Policy Planning and Development and a special project, plus three courses from the areas of Tourism Events Management, Hospitality Management, Ecotourism Management, Consumer Behaviour and Entrepreneurship. After completing this one year programme, graduates will have improved knowledge and sound managerial skills relevant to management positions in the tourism, travel, hospitality and airlines industries. To enter, applicants must have a bachelor degree or equivalent and an English level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Those with a lesser qualification and work experience may be considered for special admission.
Scholarship Student Profile
Meenakshi Pandey (Meenu) came to New Zealand after completing her secondary schooling in India. "I chose New Zealand because I have relatives here. I am interested in business and thought the one year Diploma in International Business Level 5 would help me get a job," says Meenu who found AIS St Helens through the internet. "I have found the staff really helpful especially the lecturers as they are happy to spend extra time with the students which I really like." Meenu is in her final semester.
Ongoing GDIT Success
iMonitor, a company that has been nominated for 'Innovation of the year', is one of the companies that has employed a GDIT graduate from AIS St Helens. Ten of New Zealand's most dynamic start-up companies, including companies developing GPS tracking systems and utilising robotic technologies, have been named as finalists in the 2008 Gen-i New Zealand Incubator Awards. The full article can be seen here www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0807/S00503.htm
Tonga Graduation
Lata Katoa, an AIS St Helens BIB student, was able to attend her graduation at the Tupou Tertiary Institute in Tonga for her Diploma in ICT Level 6 on 19 July this year. Attending the graduation was part of the AIS St Helens promotion in Tonga. Lata's presence at the graduation was acknowledged by TTI on their website and commented on in Tonga's newspaper, national TV and radio.
Agent Education Open Day
Leading private education providers AIS St Helens, Whitecliffe College of Art & Design, Natcoll and Martin Hautus Institute, joined in the cluster called The New Zealand Business and Creative Design Group, are holding an Education Open Day on Tuesday 19 August from 10am to 3pm at Natcoll Design Technology, Level 5, 105 Symonds Street, Auckland City. The event is an expo style open day so you will have the opportunity to introduce your students to the different programmes and meet academic staff in a convenient way.
CertTESOL Intensive Programme
The CertTESOL Programme intensive class has been running since 30 June. Students from a variety of backgrounds are included in the current cohort - Chinese, Korean, English and Kiwi with ages ranging from 19 to 62. CertTESOL students have the opportunity to work with real learners to put into practice what they have been learning in the classes. The current course finishes on 22 August. The next CertTESOL course will start on 8 September. Please contact Elizabeth Warner to register elizabethw@ais.ac.nz
Qatar Cadet Group
Qatar Cadet Group at AIS St Helens
AIS St Helens Newsletter June 2008
New Programmes for September 2008 Semester
The Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Level 8 and the Graduate Diploma in International Business Level 7 have been approved and accredited by the NZQA Board. We now have clearance to launch and market these programmes for the September intake. Please note the following details and entry requirements:
PGDIB Level 8
One year programme; 20 modules of the MBA (the PGDIB is the MBA minus the 6 months dissertation); taught on weekends and evenings; same entry requirements and documentation required as the MBA; PGDIB applications qualify for spouse visa; PGDIB graduates qualify for postgraduate diploma immigration points (55); PGDIB graduates qualify for open one year work permit; PGDIB graduates may receive Permanent Residence and apply to complete the MBA at domestic fees, grants and allowances; tuition fee is $18,000 (increases to $19,900 from January/February 2009)
GDIB Level 7
One year programme; a cross-over qualification for non-business graduates; business graduates may enter but no cross credits are available for business graduates; taught within the Bachelor of International Business programme; entry requirements are bachelor degree + IELTS 6.0; GDIB applications will not qualify for spouse visa; GDIB graduates qualify for one year diploma programme immigration points (55); GDIB graduates qualify for open one year work permit; Tuition fee is $16,750
All students with a bachelor degree wishing to enter a business programme at AIS St Helens should enrol in the GDIB rather than in a lower level diploma. This is the appropriate pathway for them and will facilitate the international student visa. See the 2008 Prospectus for more details. Please note that the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management is likely to be approved by NZQA in July.
Deadlines for New Offers of Place
For MBA, undergraduate programmes and graduate diploma programmes 28 July is the last day for new Offers of Place to be issued. Applications received after that day will be processed for the next intake (January). Please note the Orientation Day and time for each programme: 5th September is the Orientation Day for all undergraduate and graduate diploma programmes and 8th September is the first day of class. The first MBA Orientation will be on Friday 5 September at 3.00pm in our main campus and the first module will start on 6 September at 8.30am. The second MBA Orientation will be on Friday 19 September at 3.00pm in our main campus and the first module for this group of students will start on 20 September at 8.30am.
Agent Visits
Amar Manchanda and Neeru. AIMS Global Education
Nidhi and Anu. Sonya Education
GDIT ACT Test
Please note that all GDIT students will be ACT (Assessment Centre Test) tested on arrival on campus. If they are below the required apptitude level for IT studies, they will be recommended to transfer to another programme within the institute more suited to their apptitudes.
Japanese Group
AIS St Helens has 6 teenage students from Johoku Saitama High School in Japan studying in our English Language Centre for 4 weeks. The students have been enjoying learning English and report that they like the small focused classes and that their teachers are very friendly. They also enjoy the afternoon activities that the ELC offers. Each student is staying with a homestay family and experiencing real Kiwi life. They will be studying English with us for another two weeks and will then go to a local high school for 4 weeks.
Student Profile
(DCIT Level 5) Alexander Alano - Philippines
"When I decided to do a computing diploma in New Zealand I went to the internet to find a place to study. The AIS St Helens website was really good, giving me a lot of information and I really liked the brochure as it gave me all the relevant information. I like the different areas of the DCIT but programming is my favourite as I like the challenge of developing a computer program. The staff are really good. They explain things until you have a good understanding. AIS St Helens is a great place to study."
GDIT Real Industry Project
The GDIT students from the Sep 07 intake are now working on their industry projects. A total of fifteen teams have been established and all are making progress working on real projects for real companies. Four of the 15 teams are working on projects for hi-tech companies at the AUT Tech Park in Penrose. AIS St Helens has always had a very good relationship with the AUT Tech Park and its tenant companies within the business incubator. The relationship just gets better and better. These start up companies appreciate having access to good quality, enthusiastic and competent students who are willing to learn and to go the extra mile to demonstrate their skill. The students appreciate the opportunity to put a real, industry project on their CV in their efforts for employment and residency. This is also great for AIS St Helens IT staff who get to see the practical application of what they are teaching. It is a win-win-win. We were delighted to receive the following phone message last month from the Managing Director of a company at the AUT Tech Park that had used AIS St Helens GDIT students previously. Clearly he is delighted with the performance of the current team as his message says: “We have just had your excellent project team in here working through the draft of their project proposal which they will submit to us tomorrow. I am just ringing to commend you on the changes in approach and the levels of professionalism. Absolutely outstanding! Very, very impressive! It has really filled us with a lot of confidence. It’s looking very good. Keep up the good work.”
Qatar Group Student
This is the second time we have a group from the Qatar Army studying English with us. This time we have 7 senior army officers enrolled for 12 weeks. Last year we had the company of 10 junior army officers for 6 weeks.
Marketing visit to Tonga
Kasanita Holani, Pasifika Marketing Executive, recently visited 6 tertiary institutions and schools in Tonga. “They were impressed with our programmes and the close relations that lecturers/tutors and students have, and how small classes allow our students more time with their lecturers/tutors. Some have invited me to give a follow up talk about our programmes and tuition fees.”
Homestay
Hi all. My name is Judith Mollot and I am the new Homestay Coordinator for AIS Campus here in Mt Albert. My objective is to ensure each and every student who chooses the homestay option has a wonderful experience in a Kiwi home. In order to match a student with a family the more information I have on a student the better. By this I mean: is the student outgoing? would they like a quiet, peaceful home? would they prefer a busy household? would they like to live with a family with small children, a family with teenagers, a retired couple, a single person family?
I have lived in the suburb of Mt Albert for 26 years and know many families in this area. With this knowledge, I will be building our database of families close to the institute who would enjoy having an international student as part of their family. I look forward to having students apply to me for homestay accommodation.
AIS St Helens Newsletter June 2008
May Semester
Thanks to all agents who assisted with the May semester. This has seen ongoing growth at AIS St Helens with numbers now over 1000. Please note for September semester that visa processing must be commenced three months before the start of semester on 5 September. This is to ensure that students have the visa in good time to arrange travel to Auckland. Please also ensure that students are on campus for the Orientation day on 5 September.
MBA Commissions
Please note our new MBA commission rates. These rates will apply to all enrolments received for commencement from September 5 without any requirement to change our current agreement. All new agent agreements issued after today's date will have these rates included.
Master of Business Administration Level 9, Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Level 8
10% 1-3 students within the same semester
12.5% 4th -6th student within the same semester
15% 7th and above student within the same semester
(extension students 2.5%)
On-campus Accommodation
The Gatehouse, previously office space for Arts Programme lecturers, has been converted to student accommodation. It was opened on 17 May and houses 7 students. Another Dormitory outpost is House No. 30 (Linwood Ave) which is home to 5 students. The Dormitory building itself has over 100 students.
Marketing Travel
Terry Leotta, Head of ELC, has been doing a lot of travelling recently with visits to Saudi Arabia, Japan and Korea to meet agents. He reports that interest in sending students to New Zealand (and our institute) is good.
Bachelor Programmes
Student numbers in BIB/BTM have increased noticeably over the last couple of semesters. Extra tutorial streams have been added for 4 courses this semester and some classes have been moved to the large lecture theatres at Asquith because they have outgrown the rooms at the Main Campus. There has also been an increase in demand for the IT programme.
Sports Activity
Student Services have been encouraging new students to make use of the Asquith sports facilities. Have you noticed the posters around the campuses? On Mondays there is indoor soccer and on Tuesdays there is basketball. There are around 20 regulars for basketball so they may be able to run competitions this season. There is also a yoga class on Friday evenings which is taught by a certified instructor. We will be recruiting a cricket team in the near future.
Speaker Schedule
Elizabeth Warner is arranging an immigration seminar for 16 June with a speaker from Immigration New Zealand. This is for students seeking advice on visas, work permits, etc. Families and friends are welcome.
Homestay Coordinator
Hi, I'm Judith Mollot and I am the new Homestay Coordinator at Student Services. I am very excited about the opportunity to provide each student who chooses the homestay option, a quality New Zealand experience. To achieve this Nirvana, the AIS St Helens database of families who have offered this service will be updated, reviewed and new homestay families added. I would like to ask for volunteers from our dormitory students to drop new leaflets at homes in the Mt Albert area.
Maori & Pacific Island Study Group
An initiative to help students with their studies is the new MPI Study Group. The group meet on a Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm in Main Campus, and the first meeting was last week with 12 students attending. Students are able to ask questions about their study, assignments and get help from other students. Kasanita Holani, the Pasifika Student Services Marketing Executive, is there to assist the students.
Donation for Sichuan Earthquake
On 12 May a shocking earthquake took place in Sichuan Province in China. In the early morning the AIS St Helens management team had an urgent meeting regarding the students from that area and helping local people. After the meeting every student from Sichuan was contacted to make sure their families were safe. A donation box was set up to encourage staff and students to help. Altogether $20,000 was sent by AIS St Helens to the Chinese Red Cross through the Chinese Consulate General.
AIS St Helens Newsletter May 2008
Student Profile
Vinod Punjabi
"I chose to do my MBA from AIS St Helens where we go through case studies and assignments based on real business situations. My Research Project I did for the company Fisher & Paykel and this was the key to getting me a job. Now I am a Business Analyst in Fisher & Paykel Appliances Ltd working in the area of IT operations. AIS St Helens organises cultural events for different ethnic groups which makes you feel close to home. AIS St Helens also organises all graduate job search permits and visa extensions. Thanks AIS!"
Semester 2 Undergraduate and Graduate Diploma
Orientation and Enrolment - Friday 16 May
ASQUITH CAMPUS Room AM14, 120 Asquith Avenue, Mt Albert, Auckland
9:00am Collection & photocopy of relevant enrolment documentation:
passport, evidence of medical insurance, photo for ID card
9:40am Welcome: Dr Richard Goodall, President
9:50am Information Session: Dr Anatole Bogatski, Student Services Director
10:20am Morning Tea
10:30am Academic Rules: Dr Mike Roberts, Academic Director
11:00am MAIN CAMPUS CAFETERIA - 28A Linwood Avenue, Mt Albert
Programme groups- online course selection with academic staff
(Students can depart after completing enrolment)
Above is the programme for Orientation / Enrolment. Would you please remind students to bring the following:
Students who have paid and have their ID card MUST bring it to enrolment.
Students who do not have ID cards MUST bring:
1. Passport and visa
2. Evidence of medical insurance
3. Passport size photo for ID card
Students who have not arranged their medical insurance can arrange this on campus. National Bank booth in Main Campus cafeteria from 11am for new student bank accounts.
Hospitality End of Semester Lunch
MBA May 2008 Orientation Programme - Friday 16 May and 30 May
3:00pm Arrival: AIS St Helens Main Campus Room 105/106
3:30pm Welcome by Chairman: Mr. YS Hsieh
3:40pm Welcome address by President: Dr Richard Goodall
3:50pm Welcome from Head of MBA Programme: Dr Nitin Raj Seth
4:00pm Address by Academic Director: Dr Mike Roberts
4:10pm Information Session by Student Services Director: Dr Anatole Bogatski
4:20pm Welcome from Elizabeth Warner - Careers and Alumni Manager
4:30pm Evening Snacks and Social Gathering (provided by AIS St Helens in R107)
5:00pm Class allocation, book distribution at MBA office, Main Building M142
5:30pm End of Orientation Programme
The two MBA May 2008 Orientations will take place on Friday 16 and 30 May 2008. Please note that the Orientation is regarded as the official commencement of MBA study at AIS St Helens. Following the Orientation, students are required to attend the first two core modules of the MBA and the Leadership Workshop.
Students attending Orientation on 16 May have the following commencing modules:
1. OBRM May 17 and 31
2. CCBN June 1 and 14
Students attending Orientation on 30 May have the following commencing modules:
1. CCBN May 31 and June 15
2. OBRM June 14 and 28
Leadership Workshop Sunday 18 May and Sunday 1 June - Bruce Ross:
"The Successful Student's Toolbox" 8.30am to 5.30pm Room 105
Bengali New Year
Immigration Update
When students arrive at AIS St Helens and decide to change their programme Immigration New Zealand now wants to know. For example a student coming to AIS St Helens with a student permit / visa to study GDIT changes to DIB. INZ wants to know why they have changed and what their intentions are, especially when changing to a lower level programme. Students will need to know that changing to a lower programme will jeopardize future visa and PR applications.
Thai and Cambodian New Year
Student Winter Activities
AIS St Helens student activities are organised in Asquith Campus every Monday to Friday:
Indoor soccer Monday 4:30pm to 6:30pm (Sports Hall)
Basketball Tuesday 5:00pm to 7:00pm (Sports Hall)
Badminton Wednesday 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Sports Hall)
Indoor cricket Thursday 4:00pm to 7:00pm (Sports Hall)
Yoga Friday 5:30pm to 7:00pm (Atrium)
AIS St Helens Newsletter April 2008
AIS St Helens Enrolment Dates for May 2008 Semester
Undergraduate programmes and Graduate Diploma in IT
24 April last day for new Offers of Place to be issue
16 May enrolment day
19 May first day of class
3 June last day for late students to be in class
MBA
No date restriction on Offer of Place
Friday 16 May 1st MBA Orientation
(17 May first module would begin)
Friday 30 May 2nd MBA Orientation
(31 May first module would begin)
AIS St Helens Quality Reputation
Late last year we received the highest possible grading from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for the quality of our organisation which is one of only a handful of private institutions authorised to award Masters degrees in this country. A reputation for quality takes years to establish and makes an institution attractive to good calibre students. Word of mouth advertising is a very powerful marketing tool and satisfied graduates who use their AIS St Helens credential to advance their careers are good role models in our diverse international marketplaces.
Our MBA programme for this first semester of 2008 attracted the maximum 60 new students which will ensure we retain our position as New Zealand’s largest MBA provider. Students and their employers value the quality of instruction by excellent lecturers drawn from senior positions in industry, consulting and the world of academia. Our new specialisations, particularly Finance and Operations and Logistics are experiencing good growth because graduates find employers are actively seeking people with knowledge and skills in these areas.
Our agents play a key role in maintaining quality by upholding our entry standards and encouraging properly qualified applicants to apply for our programmes. Maintaining quality is in everybody’s long-term interests: teachers and managers, students and their families, and our highly valued network of agents.
Indian Summer Festival of Holi
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The Holi Indian summer cultural festival was organised by the AIS St Helens Indian Subcontinent Association (ISA) on 22 March 2008. Students from various programmes, cultural backgrounds and ages celebrated this colourful festival that requires everyone to spray colours onto each other.
Academic Scholarships for Semester 1 2008
The top achievers in Bachelor degree programmes were recognised on 7 March at a ceremony for the award of scholarships for further studies in Semester 1 2008. 16 students received grants of up to $1,000 towards their tuition fees. There were 15 scholarship winners in the Bachelor of International Business and 1 in the Bachelor of Tourism Management, representing the top 5% of bachelor degree students. Recipients came from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Lebanon and New Zealand.
AIS St Helens awards scholarships each semester to recognise consistent high performance in undergraduate degree-level studies. They are based on the GPA (Grade Point Average) of all results over the previous two semesters of the degree, over a minimum load of five courses. The scholarship winners were: Lisa ~, Hao Lin, Weiwei Guo, Andri Saputra, Minhui Liu, Zhao Li, Mamdouh Nouri, Ursula Raharjo, Qun Li, Dongliang He, Alicia Kartika, Oanh Kieu Phan, Qin Pan, Tzu Li Ku, Tanya Payne, Antonius Leokito.
Horikawa High School
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AIS St Helens recently had 91 teenage students from Horikawa High School in Japan study in our English Language Centre for one week. The students and their teachers report that they greatly enjoyed learning real Kiwi English and gained much more confidence in speaking English. Everyone also enjoyed the optional afternoon activities, including sailing, visiting a farm and watching a sheep show. Students even had the chance to go kayaking, fishing, see Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, and visit a local high school where they were treated to a Maori concert specially organised for them. Each student stayed with a friendly homestay family and experienced real Kiwi life. The group says they had a fantastic time with AIS St Helens and were sad to leave New Zealand. We wish them a happy return to Japan and are looking forward to seeing Horikawa again in 2009.
India Student Interview Tour
Dr Anatole Bogatski, Student Services and Market Development Director, spent two weeks in India in March interviewing a great many students interested in gaining admission to AIS St Helens. “The India market remains robust for the one year programmes that we offer,” Dr Bogatski said. “We will soon be adding the Graduate Diplomas in International Business and in Tourism Management to the one year programmes we offer and these will grow our India market even further. The AIS St Helens brand is very strong in India. We have been travelling to this market for over 10 years now and were one of the original New Zealand institutions in the IEEN group. Many of the largest India agents have grown alongside us and remain our close supporters.”
The main current concern in the India market is the large number of students coming to New Zealand with IELTS waivers to enter low-level diploma programmes. “These students are unlikely to get good jobs when they graduate and this disappointment may feed back to the India market and spoil the New Zealand reputation,” said Dr Bogatski. “AIS St Helens is taking action to strengthen its IELTS requirement. We will only issue IELTS waivers for undergraduate diplomas to students that have scored highly in English in the Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chennai, CBSE and ICSE board exams, and for graduate programmes to students that have a bachelor in the English medium from a metropolitan university.”
ELC Activities
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A taste of the Pacific was the highlight of the March activities programme for ELC students. Absorbing the sights, sounds and tastes of the Pasifika Festival gave students a chance to watch traditional dance and song and try authentic drinks and food.
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The March calendar also included a trip to Auckland’s historic village Devonport, with clear, sunny views out to the idyllic Hauraki Gulf and islands. Students also had the chance to explore the Wild West coast, with a day outing during the Easter break to Cornwallis and Whatipu beaches.
The upcoming April calendar is full of exciting extra things for ELC students to do – including a farm visit and a Maori cultural performance, as well as lots of free outings. Students report that the extensive activities programme is one of the reasons they choose to study English at AIS St Helens, as it shows them what Auckland has to offer and helps them to meet other students while practicing spoken English.
AIS St Helens Newsletter March 2008
AIS St Helens Enrolment Dates for May 2008 Semester
Undergraduate programmes and Graduate Diploma in IT
24 April last day for new Offers of Place to be issued
16 May enrolment day
19 May first day of class
3 June last day for late students to be in class
MBA
No date restriction on Offer of Place
Friday 16 May 1st MBA Orientation
Saturday 17 May first module begins
Friday 30 May 2nd MBA Orientation
Saturday 31 May first module begins
Highest NZQA Audit Rating
AIS St Helens has now achieved the highest level of quality assurance in New Zealand. Last month the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) confirmed the three year cycle would apply to AIS St Helens. The following is an excerpt from the NZQA evaluation:
"Written evaluation surveys of courses are completed by students, and these cover both content and delivery. Responses to these surveys, which in general terms were overwhelmingly positive, are analysed by AIS and followed up when necessary. With few exceptions the feedback from students interviewed confirmed that material was being delivered effectively and meeting their expectations and needs."
The full NZQA report on AIS St Helens is at the following link:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/nqfdocs/provider-reports/8530.pdf
Best Country in the World
Readers of an international travel magazine have voted New Zealand as their favourite worldwide destination. The full article can be found here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10490395
Good News for Student Visa Applications from China
INZ Beijing have been speeding up their Student Visa application process since the beginning of 2008. The duration will be reduced to 2 to 3 weeks from 4 weeks previously. This decision will encourage more Chinese students to come to New Zealand.
MBA February 08 Orientation
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March Six Week Intensive Semester DIB/BIB and DTM/BTM
SIX WEEK INTENSIVE - STARTS 3 MARCH 2008
STUDENTS WISHING TO ENROL MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR ON FRIDAY 29 FEBRUARY 2008
No late enrolments will be accepted for the intensive programme - students must be in class on Monday, 3 March
(Queries to the Academic Director at miker@ais.ac.nz)
Saida Parvin
2.113 BUSINESS ECONOMICS /
3.121 TOURISM ECONOMICS (12 hours per week)
Lectures Tuesday 9.00-11.00 am AG19
Wednesday 3.00-5.00 pm AG19
Tutorials
Tuesday 12.00-2.00 pm M205
and Tuesday 3.00-5.00 pm M205
and Thursday 9.00-11.00 am M205
and Thursday 12.00-2.00 pm M205
Rodger Chesterfield
2.231 INTRO. TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
(10 hours per week)
Lectures Tuesday 9.00-12.00 pm AM29
Wednesday 3.00-5.00 pm AM29
Thursday 9.00-12.00 pm AM29
Friday 3.00-5.00 pm AM29
Pam Logan
2.120 ENGLISH: STUDY WRITING (Stream E)
(12 hours per week)
Monday 10.00-12.00 pm M206
and Monday 1.00-3.00 pm M206
and Wednesday 10.00-12.00 pm M206
and Wednesday 1.00-3.00 pm M206
and Friday 10.00-12.00 pm M206
and Friday 1.00-3.00 pm M206
Sawsan Al-Shamaa
2.233 BUSINESS STATISTICS
(10 hours per week)
Lectures Monday 10.00-1.00 pm M213
Wednesday 10.00-12.00 pm R101
Thursday 3.00-5.00 pm M213
Friday 11.00-2.00 pm M213
For students with a good record, enrolment in 2 courses may be allowed. For students who have a poor or mediocre record only one course may be selected.
Students with a good record who are starting at the normal time in January, may take two normal full semester courses and one second half intensive course.
ELC Activities
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ELC students have enjoyed many free extra outings this month, including a Saturday excursion to the island sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf. A bush walk, river swim and fish n chips on the beach were also offered in February and the ELC has an action packed activities schedule planned for March. Students comment that they love the extra chance to speak English and get to know their classmates.
Dormitory and Airport Pickup
In our January 2008 Semester we found that many students arrived on our campus without prior bookings and expected to have accommodation at our on campus Student Hall of Residence. This is unacceptable and caused considerable difficulty with our administration. Students also did not advise us of their arrival details and no bookings were made for an airport pickup. Other students who did arrange the airport pickup then separately arranged for a family member or friend to pick them up. This caused significant difficulty for our drivers, our homestay providers and the dormitory administration.
- For any students who wish to use our Hall of Residence, they MUST have a prior booking made at least two weeks in advance. Otherwise we cannot guarantee this accommodation for them.
- For students that book an airport pickup, this arrangement must be maintained, or cancelled at least two weeks prior to arrival, so that we can reschedule our drivers and welcome on campus.
It is unacceptable for agents or students to think that the campus accommodation is automatic, or that previously made arrangements can be changed without informing the campus of the change.
Students Changing Programmes After Arrival
In our January 2008 Semester we also found that after their arrival many students that had been accepted into our Level 7 GDIT programme then opted to change into a level 5 DIB or DTM. Several students accepted into the Level 5 DCIT programme also changed into the Level 5 DIB or DTM programmes. This situation put considerable pressure on the IT Department which first needed to gear up for large enrolments, but then lost these enrolments into other programmes. This situation can be avoided if all students understand clearly from the outset which programme they wish to enter, and seek an Offer of Place, Bank Loan and Student Visa based on the correct programme. We encourage you to consider this situation carefully for enrolments in the May 2008 semester and counsel your students accordingly.
Students Changing Schools After Arrival
An issue that has arisen with many quality institutions in New Zealand is the trend for students to gain their Offer of Place, Bank Loan and Student Visa for a quality institution and higher level programme, and then move to a lower level programme at a low quality institution after arrival. Quality institutions in New Zealand, including AIS St Helens, are pursuing vigorous action with INZ to have the abuse minimised. You can all assist by ensuring that students are as honest as possible in declaring their intentions, and that they are steered by your professional advice into the correct programme, BEFORE they apply for an Offer of Place from AIS St Helens or any other institution in New Zealand.
A similar but smaller issue is where students arrive at AIS St Helens but then move to another institution because their family or friends are located in a different city around Auckland. Please note that AIS St Helens is located in Mt Albert, which is able to be seen at the following link: http://www.nzmaps.co.nz/viewmap.php3 We are directly next to Chamberlain Park Golf Course and on public bus and train routes. We are also very close to the Hindu Temple at Balmoral and the Indian community centre at Sandringham. Please counsel students about the location before you request an Offer of Place from AIS St Helens.
Staff BBQ
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Bonded Merit Scholarship
StudyLink is offering 2 scholarships to New Zealand Students. The Bonded Merit Scholarship may be of interest to your students. This scholarship is for students starting their second year of study at the start of the first semester (between January to March). It recognizes academic achievement and pays the maximum of $3000 per year for course fees up to four years from the second year of study. If students have a B average from their first year of study then they can apply. Students must be studying full time for a minimum of 32 weeks and be enrolled in their first bachelor degree course. They must be a New Zealand citizen or resident. Students who gain the scholarship must stay in New Zealand for the number of years they have received the scholarship. To find out more about the details of this scholarship please visit StudyLink's website http://www.studylink.govt.nz/thinking-about-study/making-your-application/scholarship-process/bonded-merit-process.html
Careers & Alumni Office
Employment has been the main focus of this office from November until now. Many students have come to either workshops organised for them or had individual appointments on how to write New Zealand CVs, cover letters and have experienced a mock New Zealand interview. Others have needed assistance with job hunting. Pre-employment workshops for students looking for part time work are happening this month along with workshops for those looking for full time employment.
New Zealand Study and Work (NZSW) are facilitating a seminar on 11 March at 5:30pm. NZSW are a company who provide mentorship training and job search services to international students who are preparing to enter the New Zealand job market after completing their New Zealand based training. If you would like to know more please ring Elizabeth on 815 1717 ext 630.
We strongly recommend that once students are comfortable with their studies, that they do look at some part time work, even on a casual basis. This allows students to gain experience of working in New Zealand.
AIS St Helens Newsletter June 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL THE TEAM AT AIS ST HELENS!
Three Year Audit Cycle
We are delighted with the result of the NZQA audit of AIS St Helens in September 2007. Our three year audit cycle has been confirmed and this now places us in the top level of quality assurance in New Zealand. We have also been recognised by the China Ministry of Education for our excellent programmes and high quality and are included in the China list of recommended tertiary institutes in New Zealand. All graduates of AIS St Helens can be assured that the institute will continue to prosper and deliver high quality education and employment outcomes.
TONGA EDUCATION AND TRAINING EXPO
NZ Methodist Church of New Zealand, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and ACC sponsored the above educational expo. AIS St Helens had a stall next to Auckland and Massey Universities. Many young people attended this event and AIS St Helens was visited by our local Member of Parliament – Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Orientation and Late Start Policy
January Orientation for the undergraduate programmes is on 25 January 2008 and the official programme start date is on 29 January 2008. Two weeks extension to 11 February 2008 will be given for students who have paid and are waiting for visa arrangements, if the student is able to provide a letter stating that the student takes responsibility for the late start and loss of two weeks of course content.
If the extension student fails to arrive for classes by Monday 11 February 2008, they will not be allowed to start their programme. Business and Tourism students will be required to wait until 3 March 2008 and will then commence the special Intensive Semester programme. IT students will be required to reschedule their programme commencement to 19 May 2008.
The MBA Orientation will be conducted on two different days - 8 February and 22 February 2008 starting at 3pm. MBA modules will commence immediately on the following day. This means that MBA students who have a delay in their fee payments and visa arrangements and cannot start on 8 February are able to start their programme on 22 February 2008.
25 January Orientation Day Programme
Morning Programme
Asquith Campus, 120 Asquith Ave, Mt Albert
8:30 am- 9:00 am.
Arrival at AIS St Helens Asquith Campus, Room AM 14
9:00am to 10:30am
- Registration and Documentation Check
- ID forms will be completed.
Required Documents for ID Cards:
- Passport and valid Visa & arrival stamp
- Medical Insurance Policy
- Local Address
- One photo. If you do not have a photo we will take one.
10:30am to 12:00pm
Presentations by:
- YS Hsieh - Chairman and CEO
- Dr Mike Roberts - Academic Director
- Dr Anatole Bogatski - Student Services Director
- Elizabeth Warner - Careers & Alumni Manager
- Constable Darren - Mt Albert Community Constable
- Cathy Hunt - National Bank
12:00pm
Light lunch provided by AIS St Helens in Atrium. Tour of Asquith Campus
12.45pm
All meet Asquith Campus in Atrium, Hikoi (fun walk) to Main Campus
Afternoon Programme
Main Campus, 28a Linwood Ave, Mt Albert
1:00pm onwards
Meet Tutors and complete Course Selection forms
- Room 105 / 106
IT programmes
- Room 103
Diploma and Bachelor of Tourism Management and Hospitality programmes
- Room 104
Diploma and Bachelor of International Business programmes
- Room M134
Pre MBA programmes
When Course Selection has been signed off proceed to:
1. Student Administration - M107 to collect your ID Card
2. IT - M218 to collect your internet and email password
Celebration for the Chinese New Year of the Rat
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AIS St Helens staff and students with the Chinese Consul General |
The Chinese celebration for the Year of the Rat took place on Friday 19 January at Greenlane Show Grounds. Chinese students from AIS St Helens present had a great time, especially three ELC students, Chen Chen, Lu Bangjiang and Chen Yutong, who joined in the Beijing Olympic Mascot performance representing the Beijing Olympic “One World, One Dream” ideal.
GDIT Update
The most significant difference in the GDIT in Semester 1 2008 will be that students’ content learning will be contextualised from the beginning. Students will be allocated a project that they will work on during each of semesters 1 and 2. The projects may be real and they will enable students to practice what they learn within a project team environment. All current subjects will be taught but learning will be enhanced as the application of the learning will be immediate. Students will be expected to work within their project teams outside of their normal four hour daily class. The expectation is that they will be motivated to work up to 2-3 times this amount per day. This is consistent with the GDIT being a fast-track for students into an IT career. This will also ensure that students are more readily prepared for their final project in semester 3 and produce a higher quality project which will further enhance the reputation of the GDIT in industry and among future students.
ELC Activities
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ELC students dived into summer recently with an outing to idyllic Goat Island Marine Reserve.The group of ten students travelled with ELC tutor David Jordan, who says they all had a wonderful time snorkelling and exploring the rock pools. “Students really enjoyed the outing and didn’t want to leave!” More summer outings are planned for students in January and February as part of the ELC’s activities programme.